How Lorch denied Ralani Pirates ticket! But why did Chiefs snub Witbooi?

Former Mamelodi Sundowns winger Surprise Ralani has revealed how his potential move to Orlando Pirates was dimmed by Thembinkosi Lorch.

In the 2016/17 edition, the Sea Robbers made contact with the now 37-year-old in their bid to sign him. Nyoso had struggled to make an impact at Bucs and they opted to send him on loan to Chippa United.

During that time, Ralani was doing well abroad and Bucs felt his experience would help the team, only for Lorch to show his potential with the Chilli Boys.

“I spoke to the chairman, [Dr] Irvin Khoza, in person, but the move to Pirates never materialized. During the last six months, Lorch was on form at Chippa and was younger than me and they decided to go with him,” Ralani told Metro FM’s Sports Night Amplified.

Why did Chiefs turn down the chance to sign Witbooi?

The Hungry Lions player then revealed why Kaizer Chiefs did not sign his son Emile Witbooi who ended up signing for Cape Town City.

“Emile Witbooi did go to Chiefs for two weeks but they rejected him because he was too small. The football was there, but physicality was a problem,” he continued.

“Similar to Leo Messi, we putting him on a program to improve his physicality including diet and gym in order to prepare him for Europe. Emile is only 16. He can only be 18 before he signs a contract in Europe, so now it’s about getting him used to the European setup.

“Chelsea had a look at him, and now he’s back at City to develop, when he’s 18, it would be easier for him to adapt to Europe,” he concluded.